I promise I’m going to get better at this. It’s been three weeks in a row, and a third blog post. If it’s Thursday, it’s tech time with Mark Starling, so grab your cup o’ Uncle Joe, fold up the newspaper, and let’s talk about what’s happening in the tech world. This week features Microsoft and El Goog doing their thing, and the Catholic Church releases a tech device.
You can listen live to our segment on Thursday mornings at 6:43 Eastern by tuning into First News 570, by downloading the iHeartRadio app, or listening online.
Black Twitter never disappoints, and #datRONA has been added to my lexicon. 🙂
MICROSOFT TAKES DOWN ZOMBIE BOT NETWORK
Yesterday, Microsoft reported that it had taken down the Necurs network, an international botnet responsible for many criminal scams including stealing person information, and sending fake pharmaceutical emails in phishing attempts. Botnets are interconnected devices that automatically run programs with the aim of scamming people. Microsoft spent 8 years planning the operations and coordinated with organization in 35 countries. The Necurs botnet totaled more than 9 millions devices across the globe.
EL GOOG TAKES FIRM ACTIONS AGAINST CORONAVIRUS MISINFORMATION
Google has taken direct action against the spread of coronavirus misinformation. Google has taken steps to spread misinformation related to the coronavirus, or COVID-19. Google is displaying a large, red SOS Alert banner on search results for the virus, and has tweaked its algorithms to send users to NPR for news, and the World Health Organization and CDC for clinical data. Other social networks and search engines have taken similar steps to provide the public with reliable information.
CATHOLIC CHURCH RELEASES EROSARY TO HELP PEOPLE PRAY
The Catholic Church has released a new device to bring people closer to God. The eRosary is a combination pedometer and prayer reminder for parishioners. The eRosary tracks the steps of the penitent while providing a digital means for the faithful share their thoughts with God. The Vatican acknowledges that it may not appeal to all church goers, but giving people new ways of being more connected to God isn’t new for them. The Catholic church has released apps as part of their strategy in their faithful use of technology.